SWANSEA — The intersection of Bark Street, Buffinton Street and Stevens Road is being called dangerous, and the Board of Selectmen is looking to making it safe.

Paul L. Mission, transportation planning manager for the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District, made a presentation to the board in favor of constructing a roundabout at the intersection.

The roundabout, Mission explained, is a safer alternative than a four-way stop sign and more environmentally friendly than a traffic light.

“It has potential,” Mission said.

A roundabout differs from a rotary in that it tends to slow traffic and promote a calmer flow, whereas a rotary is designed for a large amount of traffic and allows for higher speeds.

There are currently stop signs on Bark Street, but none on Stevens Road or Buffinton Street where the speed limit is 35 mph, and cars generally travel at around 40 mph.

Between 2008 and 2011, there were 29 crashes at the intersection, according to Mission. Of those crashes, about 75 percent occurred during the day in dry conditions. Fourteen collisions were rear-enders. Another 14 cars were hit at an angle. There was one head-on crash.

Mission reported there were 13 injuries during the same time period and 15 incidents of property damage.

“It’s a worry for me and this board,” said Selectman Scott Ventura.

Some 4,000 to 6,000 vehicles travel through the intersection on a daily basis. It is most busy during morning and afternoon rush hour.

Mission said the intersection is a “safety issue” because cars traveling on Bark Street do not have a clear line of sight when crossing the intersection. The rear end collisions also suggest cars “stopping short” at the intersection.

The benefits of a roundabout, according to Mission, include reducing crashes, calming traffic and deceasing speed, and are more aesthetically pleasing in a rural neighborhood than a traffic light.

In addition, Mission said a roundabout is more environmentally friendly because the traffic flows, rather than idles at a light while releasing emissions. He said it’s also safer for bikes and pedestrians.

“It can be made to fit into a neighborhood,” Mission said.

A roundabout in that location, however, is not without problems.

Mission said there could be land takings in order to make the roundabout big enough to work, at about 90 feet. There would also be questions as to whether emergency vehicles would have to make too tight a turn.

“I don’t have a large appetite for land taking,” said Selectmen Chairman Kenneth Furtado.

Engineering and design firms would need to work out the details and shortcomings if the board goes ahead with SRPEDD’s recommendation.

Page 2 of 2 - The cost of a roundabout is about the same as a traffic light, at roughly $1.5 million. A light, however, would cost more in maintenance and incur charges for electricity, Mission explained. There could also be costs associated with equipment loss and repair due to storms and accidents.

“My interest is to provide a solution,” said Selectman Robert Marquis. “There’s a number of things to be considered.”